Shoplifter with 63 offences is put behind bars

Pictured is serial thief Jessica Hodgkinson, 32, of Main Street, Carr Vale, Bolsover, who has been jailed for eight weeks after committing two thefts.

Published:09:12Thursday 22 September 2016

A thief with 61 previous offences on her criminal record has been jailed for eight weeks after shoplifting at two Chesterfield town centre stores.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, how Jessica Hodgkinson, 32, of Main Street, Carr Vale, Bolsover, struck at The Bodycare store on September 19 and the Fragrance Shop earlier in the month.

Prosecuting solicitor John Cooper said: “A Bodycare employee at The Pavements, in Chesterfield, was at the back of the store and saw the defendant carrying a large Tesco bag and saw her holding an Olay gift set.

“She heard the dropping of something going into a bag which was bulging and she saw the defendant walk past the till without paying.”

Security staff were alerted, according to the court, and Hodgkinson was located near the town’s library.

The court also heard how Hodgkinson had stolen perfume sets from the Fragrance Shop on Middle Pavements on September 4.

Hogkinson’s previous convictions also included being involved in the production of drugs.

Defence solicitor John Wilford said Hodgkinson has had long-standing problems with drugs and has struggled to get accommodation.

He said: “She has fallen into debt with drugs and was under pressure to alleviate the problem but it’s no defence but it’s an explanation and the situation was not helped by her taking the Black Mamba drug before she committed the latest offence.”

Magistrates sentenced Hodgkinson to eight weeks of custody.

She was also ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge and £5.99 compensation to Bodycare and £47 compensation to the Fragrance shop.